Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I recognize Zubair Shaikh, a spring intern in my Orlando, FL, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the people of the State of Florida.

Zubair is a student at Valencia College, where he majors in political science. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to him for all the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Logan Spina, a spring intern in my Orlando, FL, office, for all of the hard work he has done for me, my staff, and the people of the State of Florida.

Logan is a student at the University of Central Florida, where he majors in political science. He is a dedicated and diligent worker who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Logan for all the fine work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, we are on the nomination of Congressman Bridenstine to be the new Administrator at NASA. I want to tie it into what I will talk about in a moment because it comes down to Presidential appointments and the problems we are running into with regard to them.

I was not enthused by the nomination. It is nothing personal against Mr. Bridenstine. I feel that NASA is an organization that needs to be led by a space professional. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, the Acting Administrator resigned--or, I should say, retired. His last day on the job is the 30th. So it leaves us with the prospect of this incredibly important agency for Florida and the country with a vacancy in its top job. We are on our second Acting Administrator. If one were to do the math, even if Congressman Bridenstine were to withdraw and a new vetting process were to begin for a new nominee, by the time it would work its way through the administration, the committee process, and the floor, the way things are going here, we could be into February-March, at the earliest, of next year. There is no way NASA can go 2 years and X number of months without having a permanent Administrator.

One makes these decisions always under the context that a President should have significant discretion in picking the team. Whether you like it or not, millions of Americans last year voted for the President. He was elected, and he has a right to govern. In 4 years--in less than 4 years now, in 2\1/2\ years--the American people will have the chance, once again, through our democratic process, to opine on whether or not they will want him to have a second term. Our job here is to provide advice and consent. We are to analyze these nominees and determine whether or not we want to support them.

My view of it is, as has been the tradition of the Senate for the entire existence of the Republic, that we give great deference to the President on choosing the qualifications. We want to make sure that people are qualified and that there is nothing about them that would disqualify them. It is my view that the more important the job the more discretion the President deserves. It is why, although I had significant reservations about the nomination of Secretary Tillerson, I decided to support it, because I believed the President deserved significant discretion. When you get to the subsecretaries and the like, I think that discretion diminishes.

It is what has led me to decide to support Congressman Bridenstine, despite my reservations, and it is what, I hope, will lead my colleagues--at least a sufficient number--to support the nomination of Mike Pompeo to be the Secretary of State.

Let me read you some of the previous votes we have had here in the Senate. All but one of them predates my service.

Colin Powell was confirmed by a voice vote, which is almost unimaginable in a 21st century Senate, but in 2001, on January 20, by a unanimous voice vote, he was confirmed as the Secretary of State.

A few years later, in 2005, Condoleezza Rice was confirmed as Secretary of State by a vote of 85 to 13. Now, it was still 13 noes, but, nonetheless, it was 85 yeses. I assure you that not everyone who voted for her was happy about her nomination. People didn't necessarily agree with her. One of the people who supported her, I believe, was future President Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton was nominated and confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 94 to 2, and I promise you that a significant number of the Members on my side of the aisle may have respected Secretary Clinton but strongly disagreed with her and her views on a number of issues, but, nonetheless, they felt the President deserved to have his nominee.

When she resigned, her replacement was then-Senator Kerry, who was the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, with whom I had significant policy disagreements in the Senate and during his time as Secretary of State. Yet I, along with 93 other Members of the Senate, supported his nomination, and he was confirmed.

Madam President, we now have the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency--a man who is clearly qualified. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, a person who has served this country in uniform, who has served his country in Congress, who has been successful in the private sector, and who has served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

We have learned over the last couple of days that the President has significant trust in him, so much so that he was willing to send him privately to begin setting the stage for, perhaps, the most important short-term diplomatic engagement this country will have with North Korea. By the way, one of the most important things you want in a Secretary of State is for the President to have confidence in him. You have to have someone who, when he goes abroad and meets with people, the people know he has the President's ear and speaks for the administration. Mike Pompeo clearly has that. Yet we face the prospect of significant opposition to the point at which there are questions about whether it will pass in the committee. Although, I think it will pass on the floor.

I hope people will recalibrate their thinking. I don't think you have to agree with Mike Pompeo. You most certainly don't have to feel that he is the person you would have picked had you been President. You need to recognize that you are not the President, and none of us here are the President. The President deserves to have a team of people whom he trusts and can work with and who are qualified. I do not believe anyone could argue that Mike Pompeo is not qualified. He is certainly as qualified--in fact, I would argue

more qualified--as the person whom he would replace in terms of experience in his field. I hope people understand that and are willing to be a little bit flexible about this.

I understand the interest groups are ginning up. Listen, we have the same thing on our side of the aisle. In full disclosure and candor, when President Obama was the President, there were interest groups on the right of center who constantly pressured Congress to oppose everything, not just legislation but also nominees. I assure you that I did not get a lot of love mail when I decided to support Senator Kerry at the time. But it was the right thing to do because he was clearly qualified, and that is who the President wanted. I hope that that is what we will do in this case in confirming Mike Pompeo, because this Nation faces some very significant challenges in foreign policy that need to be immediately addressed, and we simply cannot do that without a Secretary of State.

For me, that became quite apparent this weekend. I happened to travel to Lima, Peru, for the Summit of the Americas. The Vice President attended on the President's behalf because of the situation in Syria, and the Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Sullivan, was there and did a good job, but there is no replacement for a Secretary of State. We had no Secretary of State at the summit. The key issue--one that, I think, Director Pompeo, if confirmed as Secretary, could help with--is the situation in Venezuela.

Mr. President, today I recognize Dr. Janet Bisogno, the Osceola County Teacher of the Year from Celebration High School in Celebration, FL.

Janet was named Teacher of the Year in recognition of her accomplishments as an outstanding educator and for her passion and devotion to challenging students towards success. She is considered one of Osceola County's most dynamic and well-respected teachers.

Janet gives students tremendous opportunities to participate in science as an immersed experience, including fun but challenging labs and learning opportunities. In both 2016 and 2017, her students scored higher than the world average on IB biology exams. Her students have had a 100-percent pass rate on the end of course exam since she began teaching Pre-IB biology. Janet's leadership in her science professional learning community has been instrumental in moving all students forward.

Colleagues say Janet creates strong and positive relationships with her students, which contribute to a successful classroom environment. She traveled with students to Peru, where they completed an academic field study on the Amazon. Janet has volunteered on numerous committees, and is an engaged member of the school's department chair committee, which works towards school improvement.

Janet is a graduate of Wright University and received her doctorate from the University of Central Florida. She was previously an educator at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. She has been a teacher at Celebration High School since August 2009.

I extend my best wishes to Janet for her hard work and dedication and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, I am pleased to honor Jessie Boyce, the Pinellas County Teacher of the Year from Tyrone Middle School in St. Petersburg, FL.

Jessie was named Teacher of the Year because she excels at turning kids who hate math into scholars who love going to their math class. She was also recognized for helping colleagues and going beyond to help fellow teachers and students.

She was instrumental in implementing a one-to-one technology initiative as her school transitioned to the center for innovation and digital learning. As part of the Pinellas Innovates initiative, Jessie spearheaded personalized learning in the county. She writes, provides training, speaks at conferences, blogs about education, and discusses other ways to bring innovation into the classroom.

Jessie has been teaching for 10 years, the last 5 serving at Tyrone Middle School. She has taught both math and science, most recently teaching the sixth grade. She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Grove City College in 2008 and a master's degree in instructional leadership from Robert Morris University in 2013.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Jessie for the commitment she has made to her students. I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I recognize Rebecca Childs, the Levy County Teacher of the Year from Williston Elementary School in Williston, FL.

Rebecca is best described as a hard-working educator who has demonstrated capabilities in curriculum and instruction, data analysis, and assessment. She is committed to improving the quality of instruction and assessment through ongoing professional development and reflective teaching practices.

She serves on the district math and science cadres and facilitates the creation of standards-based curriculum maps and district common assessments. She develops classroom assessments to monitor student learning and provide quality, standards-based instruction to fourth grade students. Becky has also mentored both new teachers and interns at her school.

Rebecca graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and graduated from Florida State University with a master of science in educational leadership. She previously was a reading coach, kindergarten, first grade, and second grade teacher at Joyce Bullock Elementary School. Since 2015, she has been a fourth grade teacher at Williston Elementary School.

I express my sincere gratitude to Rebecca for her dedication to her students throughout the years. I look forward to hearing of her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I recognize Patrick Farley, the Martin County Teacher of the Year from Crystal Lake Elementary School in Stuart, FL.

Patrick received this important recognition as his priorities as an educator are to deepen his student's leadership skills and independence while continuing to inspire and create communities within the classroom. He has the ability to motivate his students and is able to teach them how to problem solve with the resources and people around them.

Beyond his classroom, he chairs the schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports initiative at Crystal Lake, serves as a coach for the robotics team, track team, and as coach and cofounder of the running club. He is also the girls basketball head coach at Anderson Middle School and is an active member of Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church.

According to his peers, their entire community is fortunate to have teachers like Patrick, who is dedicated to improving the lives of young people. They view him as an exceptional educator who exemplifies what it takes to make a true difference in the classroom.

Patrick is a fifth grade teacher at Crystal Lake Elementary and has 4 years of teaching experience, all within the Martin County School District.

I express my best wishes to Patrick for his commitment to educating his students. I look forward to hearing of his continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I honor Amy Grimm, the St. Johns County Teacher of the Year from Julington Creek Elementary School in St. Johns, FL.

Amy was named Teacher of the Year for the second time, previously winning the award in the 2002-2003 school year. She enjoys teaching first grade students because of the wonder and joy they experience. She always says first grade is a magical year.

According to Amy, first graders are excited about learning. She saw much growth in her students this year as they became readers. They come to her classroom dependent and blossom into confident learners by the end of the year.

Amy is a mentor to other teachers and believes in developing and supporting the whole child and takes a thematic approach in her classroom. It is not uncommon for her to also be seen at her students' extracurricular activities supporting and cheering them on.

Amy graduated from Frostburg State University in Maryland with a bachelor's degree in early childhood and elementary education. She has 22 years of teaching experience, all within the St. Johns County School District. She began her teaching career with the school district in 1995 at Ketterlinus Elementary School as a first grade/title I teacher. She has been with Julington Creek Elementary School since 1998 and is working toward her gifted endorsement.

I offer my best wishes to Amy for her tireless work and dedication to her students. I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. President, today I recognize Samantha Lamora, the St. Lucie County Teacher of the Year from Savanna Ridge Elementary School in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Samantha received the Teacher of the Year award for her student's superior performance, her teaching routines, and outstanding classroom practices. Inspired by her students' desire to learn, grow, and celebrate their own successes, Samantha values collaboration and looks for opportunities to extend that beyond the classroom by establishing solid partnerships between home and school. At the start of each year, she writes to the parents of her students a letter detailing her educational philosophy, expectation of success for her students, and pledge to partner with them in their child's academic journey to guarantee achievement.

Her classroom is open to parents on a number of occasions each year in order to celebrate the accomplishments of their children. In the spirit of working collaboratively with her colleagues, Samantha also helps to produce a weekly newsletter to streamline communication. She also is an active member of the school's positive behavior intervention success, parent-teacher organization, and literacy committees that help to plan events after school in an effort to bridge the gap between home and school. She is always seeking to make a positive difference for her students.

Samantha is a first grade teacher at Savanna Ridge Elementary School with 5 years of teaching experience. Stepping into the role of a teacher is an answer to a lifetime career calling she deems magical.

I express my best wishes to Samantha for her commitment and dedication to her students. I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. President, today I recognize Taylor Massey, the Hendry County Teacher of the Year from Eastside Elementary School in Clewiston, FL.

Taylor's teaching philosophy centers around what she describes as not settling for mediocrity and fostering great citizenship and leadership with her students. Her favorite part about teaching is giving her students a voice and watching their minds grow.

She is the adviser to the county's only National Elementary Honor Society chapter and adviser to the STEP club. Taylor is also part of the new teacher induction team to welcome new teachers to the district. She strives to be a positive role model for her students and loves having close connections with her students' parents.

She is a product of the Hendry County school system, having attended Eastside Elementary School, Clewiston Middle School, and Clewiston High School. She now teaches alongside some of the teachers who taught her in elementary school.

Taylor is a fourth grade teacher, and this is her fifth year teaching in the

district, having previously taught kindergarten, second grade, and sixth grade. She attended Florida Atlantic University while working as a resident assistant and volunteered with the YMCA. Taylor graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology and received her master of education degree from the University of West Florida. She plans to become an administrator in the future.

I extend my best wishes to Taylor and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. President, today I recognize Chasey Niebrugge, the Lee County Teacher of the Year from River Hall Elementary School in Alva, FL.

Chasey was named Teacher of the Year because she encompasses all the components of a model teacher. Described as talented, innovative, and committed to expanding learning beyond the classroom, she changed the intensive intervention/exceptional student education program at her school from a program that lacked resources and true inclusion practices to a program that is thriving. Students who were struggling are now flourishing.

Her II/ESE students are a huge part of the school's family and are included in all activities they are able to attend. She creates an engaging, differentiated, and safe classroom environment where her students are expected to do their personal best. Chasey believes that continuing her own learning outside of her classroom is extremely important and a large part of her success as a teacher.

Chasey feels that every single day is a new opportunity for a child to learn. As an educator, she believes it is her responsibility to provide the best learning experience for her students. She has always wanted to teach, believing this to be her passion and that she is meant to be with her students.

Chasey is a graduate from Estero High School and is a former basketball and softball athlete. She is the intensive intervention/ exceptional student education teacher at River Hall Elementary School.

I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Chasey and offer my best wishes on her future endeavors.

Mr. President, today I recognize Kenneth North, the Union County Teacher of the Year from Union County High School in Lake Butler, FL.

Kenneth is more than a teacher; he is a mentor for today's youth to be tomorrow's successful and productive citizens. He does this by providing opportunities for them through competitions, community service, social functions, and daily activities.

In many instances, he sets up practical exercises for his students to work through by coming up with solutions to problems that work best for them. According to Kenneth, this teaches students the principle of taking ownership of problems and giving the solutions that can be applied throughout life.

Kenneth is a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor with more than 23 years of life experiences around the world. He has been a JROTC instructor with Union County since 2012.

I extend my appreciation to Kenneth for his hard work and congratulate him on this achievement. I wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Jennifer Powell, the Leon County Teacher of the Year from Lawton Chiles High School in Tallahassee, FL.

Jennifer received this important recognition because of her innovative lesson plans and tireless work on behalf of her students. Her colleagues consider her an asset to both her students and the school.

After she was named Teacher of the Year, Jennifer's students gave her a standing ovation in their classroom. Jennifer said she loves her students and notes they come to her class every day, prepared to meet any of the challenges she gives them.

Jennifer believes in hard work and thinks that being part of a team is important. Relationships are very important to Jennifer; they are her philosophy for education. If she can form relationships with the students, parents, and the school's administration, she believes anything can happen in and outside of the classroom.

Jennifer has been teaching social studies for the past 11 years. Her first 9 years were spent as a civics teacher at Deerlake Middle School and the past 2 years have been at Lawton Chiles High School. She is a three-time graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor's and master's degree in social science education/curriculum and instruction and a specialist's degree in educational leadership.

I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Jennifer for all her hard work and dedication she has given to her students. I wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Sarah Ray, the Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year from the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, FL.

Sarah professes that everything she does is for her students, and this award is entirely about them. Sarah wants to make sure to help all of her students continue in their educational careers.

Sarah took over the Artists Reaching to Society Club at the school after the passing of its founder. Under her direction, the club organizes an annual arts camp for elementary school students. The camp has grown to include 250 student volunteers and 125 students each summer.

A Google Certified Teacher and District Trailblazer Teacher, Sarah has successfully integrated technology into her classroom. This has helped excite her students about learning while also providing the technological ability to monitor their progress.

Sarah graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts in 2000 and earned her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Florida with a major in history and a minor in education. She completed masters-level coursework at Florida Atlantic University. She began teaching at Dreyfoos in 2014 and has served as the school advisory committee chair, senior class adviser, student council adviser, and schoolwide positive behavior.

I extend my best wishes to Sarah and look forward to learning of her continued successes.